Peridot may be common, but it is oh so unique among gemstones! Those born in August are fortunate to claim it as their traditional birthstone.

This “extreme gem” is one of only two gemstones in the world – the other being diamond – that is not formed in the earth’s crust but in the upper mantle of molten rock, born of fire and brought to the surface by tectonic and volcanic activity. Extraterrestrially, crystals of peridot have been discovered in pallasite meteorites thought to have formed at the birth of the solar system. Olivine (peridot’s basic form) has been collected with comet dust and has even been discovered on the surface of the moon. A primordial gemstone, ancient people may have been correct in believing that it was ejected by a solar explosion and, as such, carries powerful healing powers.

Peridot is the gem quality variety of olivine, a magnesium-rich silicate mineral rating 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs hardness scale. It is one of the only gemstones to occur in a single color, green, though it varies from lime to brownish green, with the most valuable stones being rich olive green. While olivine may be an abundant mineral, gem quality peridot is both rare and precious.

As the national gem of Egypt, peridot (from faridat, meaning “gem” in Arabic) is one of the oldest known gemstones to be mined, dating back as early as 1500 B.C. The main source in ancient times was on a small island in the Red Sea called Topazios, now known as Zabargad or St. John’s Island, where the “Gem of the Sun” was mined exclusively for Egyptian royalty, who kept the entire island closely guarded. It is even thought that many of Cleopatra’s fabled emeralds were actually exceptional peridots.

This crystal of positive power has long been associated with light, enhancing receptiveness to new meanings and ideas, wisdom and understanding, and facilitating the search for knowledge and enlightenment. It represents the frequency of creation, universal love, and the source of all abundance. A stone of “increase,” it can be a powerful manifestor, so it is wise to use it with positive focused intent. Peridot helps with mental clarity and detoxification support, plus offers protection from nightmares. As the stone of compassion, it primarily resonates with the heart chakra but can also be associated with the solar-plexus chakra. With its energy of peace and well-being, it is a useful stone for meditation to access higher realms of consciousness and Divine energy.

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